Seven Days

When you turn 25, it's Mean Street for you. But until then, you can live, play and dance at Hubbard Street 2. An offshoot of the respected Chicago dance company, HS2 is billed as an eclectic and athletic team of young dancers who work out of ballet, modern and jazz schools to create individual and collaborative dance. Think Footloose meets Sweet Valley High or not. Either way, head to the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Theater (210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo) at 7:30 tonight for some spectacular dance. Tickets are $20 and available at 719/295-7222. MS

20 Friday

I've often thought William Golding's Lord of the Flies should be categorized as nonfiction. If you don't agree, check out Jane Poynter's book, The Human Experiment: Two Years and Twenty Minutes Inside Biosphere 2. She'll be signing copies at Barnes & Noble Booksellers (1565 Briargate Blvd.) at 7 tonight. The book's got it all: "unrelenting hunger ... debilitating altitude sickness ... psychological stress" and, to further illustrate my point, "the crew split[ting] into two hostile camps." Just tell me you aren't itching to read it, already. Forget "Survivor" this is the real deal. Call 266-9960 for more information. MS

21 Saturday

OK, so it's not the Truffle Shuffle from The Goonies, but Yalla! A Belly Dance Showcaseshould be a good time. Belly dancers from up and down the Front Range including a slew from the Springs will be showcasing their abdominal fortitude by performing their renditions of the "world's oldest dance." You, Sloth, Chunk and Data can check it out tonight at the Manitou Elementary School Auditorium (701 Duclo Ave., Manitou Springs) at 7:30. Tickets run $5-$12. For information call 229-6048 or visit jaiyabellydance.com. PF

22 Sunday

The human cast of Somethings Rotten.

Is there a little Bertolt Brecht in you? How 'bout some George Bernard Shaw? Any playwright anywhere? (Check behind your ears.) Come find out at "The Play's the Thing," a workshop on 10-minute playwriting, with actress and playwright Tracy Shaffer Witherspoon and the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration. Study stage action, good dialogue and techniques to keep your audience awake (very important). The class takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Celebration Place in The Citadel (750 E. Citadel Drive). Advanced reservations are required for the $35 class; call 597-3344 to sign up. MS

23 Monday

People always talk about how college athletes balance serious athletic and academic commitment, especially at a school like the Air Force Academy. But what about the band? Yeah, that's right, the band. In the first half of this week, for instance, the AFA Band and the "Dynamic Clarinet Duo" of Master Sgt. Scott Richardson and Tech. Sgt. Ani Berberian perform twice. They're on the road tonight at 7:30 at CSU-Pueblo's Hoag Hall, and at the same time tomorrow, they play at CC's Packard Hall. For more info on this free doubleheader, part of the 2006-07 Chamber Recital Series, call 556-9952. KW

24 Tuesday

"There's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit," said Sen. Barack Obama, speaking at Xavier University's August graduation. "But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit." That's one reason why so many people want the Illinois Democrat in the White House in 2008. If you're interested in another, come to the LoDo Tattered Cover (1628 16th St., Denver) today to meet Obama and have him sign a copy of The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Tickets for the noon book signing will be handed out at 11 a.m. Warning: It's expected to be a madhouse up there. Visit tatteredcover.com for further guidelines and info. KW

25 Wednesday

Have you heard the one about Chas Elsner, the comedian playing town this week? No? Well, he just flew in (unconfirmed) for five-day set at Loonee's Comedy Corner (13005 N. Academy Blvd.). And, boy, are his arms tired (also unconfirmed)! Elsner's first gig is at 8 tonight, and he'll be manning the stage through Sunday. Expect zingers on how guys and girls differ, how cab drivers smell, airplane food you get the idea. Tickets cost between $2 and $10. Call 591-0707 for more information. PF